Design Team: Trend spotting at Pulse London

Fusion 

Many of the exhibitors’ designs explored culture, undiscovered destinations and the concept of being nomadic. Modern ethnic was fused with contemporary craft for unusual and interesting results.

Contemplative

Handcrafted making and heritage design both played a central role to the main trends on show at Pulse. Honest materials were pared back, and an emphasis was placed on craft and quality. Metal and wood both featured heavily, with craft also mixed with technology to add a contemporary element to the staple trend.

Mystical

Elements of the fantastical were spotted throughout, with designers seeking to reinvent art, fables and fairy tales, creating unseen lands filled with mystery. Nature took centre stage, existing as both weird and beautiful in equal measure.

Modernist

Drawing influence from the past, mainly the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, key elements of the original trends were reinvented for an unexpected take on modernist retro. The results were abstract, nostalgic, graphic and inventive. 

Graphic pattern was inspired by the 1980’s Memphis Group, with an added contemporary twist.

Pieces still retained their retro look, but added an eye-catching statement in line with the maximalist approach.

This week our Design Team visited Pulse London (15-17 May 2016) – a trade show for trend-leading giftware, modern living and retail insight. Held at Olympia London, the show is a hotbed of creative talent and provides an insightful look at the industry’s key trends in practise.

We spotted four main themes across the show – Modernist, Mystical, Contemplative and Fusion.